Create a fortress.

-Make church a place where students love to come and be themselves.

-Be selective about which behaviors require correction. Is there a safety issue, or can you let it go? 

-Use positive reinforcement and rewards.

-Provide favorite toys and activities.

-Know students’ likes, dislikes, triggers, and calming methods.     

-Have helpful tools on hand, including noise-cancelling ear muffs/plugs, timers, and fidgets. 

-Post a picture schedule and stick to it. 

-Develop routines and define activity areas. 

-Encourage parents to share anything new or different that may affect their child's behavior.   

-Use consequences wisely; don't allow them to support bad choices.  

-Interpret what a student may be trying to convey through their actions. 

-Notice when behavior changes, such as a calm student becoming more active or a vocal student becoming quiet.

-Ask someone from outside the class to observe and identify triggers with fresh eyes.  

-Look beyond the behavior to see the child of God.